A man has been sentenced to 12 years and 4 months at Derry Crown Court for a series of sexual offences committed over a period of 36 years. The offences took place between April 1, 1982 and August 31, 2018, and involved multiple victims who were children at various times during that period.

The defendant, who cannot be named to protect the identity of his victims, admitted the offences. The court heard that the offending included touching and digital penetration. In one instance, the defendant, who was godfather to one of the victims, assaulted the child while the child was in bed beside her mother.

Judge Roseanne McCormick KC, sitting at the crown court, noted that the defendant was assessed as posing a low risk of re-offending but highlighted that the offending spanned three decades. She imposed the sentence of 12 years and 4 months.

Following his release from custody, the defendant will be subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order for a period of 10 years.